Page Numbers in InDesign

I was having an issue with my page numbers in an InDesign document. I had cleared several hurdles in my path (text boxes on the Master Pages, inserting “special” characters, remove the Master Page items from cover pages) yet, I could not get the page numbers to start with 1 on page 3. You see, I was trying to keep the page numbers off of my front/back cover and inside cover pages, but still be the correct page numbers for the publication. After much digging through the Help menu and many forums, I found the answer!

The terrible thing is that you think you are going to the right place (and you are), but the option doesn’t seem to be present. So here is the magic…right here:

1. In the pages palette, select the page that you would like to be your page 1.
2. Then open the options menu in the top right corner of the palette and select “Numbering and Section Options.” (See, I told you you were in the right place!)
3. Make sure “Start Section” is checked.
4. Just below that select “Start Page Numbering at:” and make sure it is set to “1”.
5. Then Click “OK” and you have just done the impossible!

Now go celebrate… I did.